2015 Jaguar XJ AWD
I think it’s the first time in many years that I haven’t climbed into a new Jaguar and immediately reached for the Dynamic mode button that stiffens its britches and sharpens up the throttle. Of course, that could have something to do with the foot of slimy, slippery snow that had just blanketed Denver.
This time I was there to revel in the XJ 3.0’s incredibly well turned-out all wheel drive hardware, which meant that this super sleek limo could cut it with the SUVs despite rolling on low profile Pirelli PZero rubber better suited to sunnier, drier days.
AWD was a late edition to the Jaguar lineup and has really helped sales in core markets like New England. While still a rare site in the Rockies, there isn’t anything better in the class for our variable climate. The all wheel drive system is comprised of a computer controlled wet-clutch that can send up to half of the 3.0-liter, supercharged V6’s 340 horses and 332lb-ft of torque to the front tires, though to preserve the company’s legendary dynamics, it is rare that more than 30 percent makes its way forward. A suite of sensors for yaw and throttle and steering combine with reprofiled stability control to allow the big cat to still handle like a rear drive machine, yet with the predictability and traction of a crossover. All told, the hardware adds about 150 pounds to this light (for its size) aluminum machine, keeping the XJ competitive in acceleration and real world fuel economy.
Depending on where you set the electronic nannies, you can swing the XJ’s tail out with complete abandon or make it cut through the crud like it’s on rails—it is completely up to you. This model’s slightly softer dampers and spring rates go a long ways towards restoring the graceful ride Jaguars were so long known for, without undermining the incisive steering and handling the brand has lately mastered above most all others.
In other respects, this XJ is much the same as others I’ve enjoyed: still stunning styling, a boudoir-like cockpit swathed in leather (though this one’s hide quality doesn’t seem up to previous examples), lovely looking front seats that aren’t quite as comfortable as they appear, and lots of lounging room behind. This car had the outgoing infotainment interface, which is now fast-acting enough not to annoy, though the virtual gauges need a higher-resolution presentation to match the cockpit’s ambiance. A minor nit is that the Jaguar’s low-mounted backup camera becomes caked with dirt and unviewable almost immediately in bad weather, but its placement at least this preserves the car’s beautifully unadorned rear visage.
Fully competitive with top German opposition, the XJ AWD is a completely compelling choice for those whose needs or desires dictate a large luxury sedan.
EPA ratings: 16/24mpg; 19mpg combined
Price as tested: $87,275
Here is what Jaguar has to say.
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